Missile Agni-IV

The Agni-IV is an intermediate-range ballistic missile, formerly designated during its development phase as Agni II prime. It was designed to bridge the operational gap between the Agni-II and Agni-III. The initial flight test occurred on November 15, 2011, at Wheeler Island.

The missile utilizes two stages of solid propellant and incorporates a composite rocket motor. The payload section is protected by a re-entry heat shield designed to withstand temperatures reaching 4,000°C, maintaining internal avionics at operational temperatures. Navigation is provided by a ring laser gyroscope-based inertial navigation system (RLG-INS) and a redundant micro-inertial navigation system (MINGS). These systems are integrated with a high-performance onboard computer using a distributed avionics architecture and a digital control system. Design features include a reduced radar cross-section and suppressed detectable signatures to counter anti-ballistic missile defenses. The missile is capable of carrying conventional, thermobaric, or strategic nuclear warheads.

The Agni-IV is in service with the Strategic Forces Command of India. It is operated from 8x8 road-mobile transporter erector launchers and rail-mobile launchers. Since its induction, the Strategic Forces Command has conducted multiple user trials and training launches, with successful events recorded in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024. No combat use has been documented.